Which pathway sends impulses to the ventricles the majority of the time?

Which pathway sends impulses to the ventricles the majority of the time?

• A. The fast pathway
• B. The slow pathway
• C. Both pathways equally
• D. Neither pathway

Answer: (A)

In dual AV nodal physiology, impulses from the atria reach the ventricles mainly through the fast pathway. This route conducts quickly, producing a shorter AV delay, and is typically used during normal sinus rhythm because it remains available and not refractory. The slow pathway conducts more slowly and is usually dormant in normal rhythm, only becoming involved when conditions shift the conduction (such as during certain reentrant tachycardias). So, most impulses to the ventricles travel via the fast pathway.

In dual AV nodal physiology, impulses from the atria reach the ventricles mainly through the fast pathway. This route conducts quickly, producing a shorter AV delay, and is typically used during normal sinus rhythm because it remains available and not refractory. The slow pathway conducts more slowly and is usually dormant in normal rhythm, only becoming involved when conditions shift the conduction (such as during certain reentrant tachycardias). So, most impulses to the ventricles travel via the fast pathway.